Stupid question- what does a contraction feel like?

[Womble75]

Was induced with epidural for DD so never really had contractions to start labour to compare it to. Baby feels like he's about to fall out and I've had "tightenings"just below my pubic line if that makes sense? I'm 38w. God I feel stupid asking!!

[originalbiglymavis]

For me it felt like going over steeo bump in the road really fast. Wi-hooooah

[NaturalBlondeYeahRight]

Mine felt like bad teenage period pains at the beginning, maybe stomach cramps like a tummy bug. It's strange at the beginning because you just don't know (even after first one) but there is no denying what it is when it really kicks in.

[JustHavinABreak]

Don't feel stupid asking. I was the same because I was induced on my first too. Turns out they WERE contractions and I was lucky not to give birth in the hospital car park!

First off, are you having any pains (think of really bad period pains)? If so, are they regular? How long are they lasting? How much of a gap is there between each one?

Any other signs? Really loose motions like having a bit of a clear out (sorry tmi ), a show, leaking fluid, change in discharge? How far are you from the hospital?

[Womble75]

They are like period cramps. I'm timing them at the mo (just started)
No discharge or anything. Body did have a clear out this morning.
We are around 20 mins from hospital but GP'swoukd need to get here for DD.

[mollymaid16]

Mines felt like a period cramp that got worse over time

[Pancaker]

Like I needed a really big poo

[MrsWooster]

Like that cramp you get with very, very bad wind or imminent poo. Or intense period pain. Sing twinkle twinkle little star and each one will be over by the time you get to the end!

[TheresABluebirdOnMyShoulder]

Sounds promising, OP! Can you put the GPs on alert so that they are ready to come over as soon as you need them to? Labour can last a looooooong time before you are at the point where you need to go to hospital so I wouldn't call them over at the first sign of a contraction. Obviously unless the contractions are already coming thick and fast and you feel like you need to go. Midwives have normally said to me that you need to go in when you feel like you're not coping on your own any more.

When I had DD, I started with period pain type sensations at around lunchtime on a Wednesday. By about 8pm the pains were quite severe and regular-ish, requiring me to stop what I was doing and breath through them, so there was no mistaking what they were at that point. But I didn't go into hospital until 6am on Thursday morning, so would have been very premature in calling babysitters over when I started having contractions on Wednesday. I didn't actually end up having DD until 1am Friday as it was.

[JustHavinABreak]

If I were you'd I'd put GPs on standby butime tell then you'll let them know in an hours time if you need them to head to your place. In the meantime use the hour to see if there's a pattern in the pains. Also have a warm bath. BH will ease off in the bath but ain't no bath gonna stop labour!!

[Heatherbell1978]

I gave birth to #2 a week ago so still quite fresh in my mind! I had tightening over my bump the evening before then contractions started at midnight. Really sore period pains. They start ok then get sorer to a peak then die down again. Also lots of pressure down below when you stand. When it's time yo push it feels like you need to push out a really big poo. But more painful....

[JustHavinABreak]

Also if your birth partner needs a shower or a snack, do it now. Nothing will get him a boot up the arse quicker than announcing he's hungry just as you're about to have a baby

[Womble75]

I'm going to give GPs a call soon to prep them. They are coming every 5 mins or so and lasting around 30 secs. I'll also call labour line when I've done a few more counts.
I'm due in there tomorrow to discuss early induction as I have obstetric cholestasis. Jesus my DD was 2 weeks late... wasn't expecting this so soon
Consultant did say to call early rather than late so will give it half hour and ring.
They are like period cramps and have to kind of breathe thru them

[Elledouble]

Mine felt like those involuntary heaves you get when you're being really really sick - only downwards and lower down iyswim!

[annlee3817]

Mine started off as period pains 8 mins apart and then my waters started to go and an hour after that I got my first big contraction, the pain bought me to my knees. All across my bump and back. Good luck :)

[PastysPrincess]

Mine felt like being sick except the wave went down my stomach not up; Times it by about a million until you can't breathe anymore.

I thank god I got my epidural in the end. I would have sold my soul to the devil to get one.

[Womble75]

Well I've got to make my way in so waiting for GP's to arrive.

[TheresABluebirdOnMyShoulder]

Good luck Womble! How exciting

[EsmesBees]

Good luck! Mine were across my upper thighs. Felt like pressure rather than pain.

[IMissGin]

I'm mid induction just now... really bad period pains with tightening across bump. Currently lasting about 40sec every 2-2.5mins

[iamapixiebutnotaniceone]

Good luck!

[MaryPoppinsPenguins]

Good luck! I didn't have many.. (had a C Section) but they felt like the worst part of a period pain...

[cuddlesandchips]

Sounds very promising! Good luck!

[HateSummer]

Yeah period pains. Good luck! I was induced with my first too and therefore had no idea what contractions were with no.2! When they get properly started you'll know exactly what the feel like though! Haha. start practising your breathing with these minor pains.

[Ohyesiam]

Wow, ask sounds like it's going in the right direction! Best of luck op, hope it all goes smoothly, and that your other health problems resolve.

[Shamoffour]

Ooh good luck! I love a live birth thread!